NASCAR is the number one spectator sport in the United States with 75-million loyal fans. Many of those fans are dedicated American Red Cross blood donors.

For the fourth year in a row, the Red Cross is gearing up for a new season of Red Cross Racing, an online donor rewards program designed to reward loyal blood donors and encourage increased participation.

Red Cross Racing members get points for giving blood and/or platelets and recruiting other blood donors. Points can be exchanged for prizes such as limited edition die-cast cars and other exciting merchandise.

Blood donors can also support the troops and their families through Red Cross Racing by donating their Donor Rewards points back to the Red Cross.

In 2010, members donated more than $100,000 to the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, which provides items like phone cards and comfort kits to military families.

There will be a variety of exciting events throughout the year and lots of ways for people to get involved. Red Cross Racing is lucky to have great sponsors, like 3M and Sprint Cup driver Greg Biffle, who supports the team and is a regular blood donor through the Red Cross.

Now is a great time to give blood, get points and win big with Red Cross Racing. Check out redcrossracing.com to join the race where everyone wins.

Locally, donations can be made from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at Western Avenue Church of Christ located at 215 S. Western Ave.

How to Donate Blood: Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment today. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years of age (16 in 2011 with parental consent).

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

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The High Plains Daily Leader and Southwest Daily Times are published Sunday through Friday and reaches homes throughout the Liberal, Kansas retail trade zone. The Leader & Times is the official newspaper of Seward County, USD No. 480, USD No. 483 and the cities of Liberal and Kismet. The Leader & Times is a member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and the Associated Press.

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